PRESS RELEASE
The COMPETITOR Division of Richey Industries is the official supplier of LANE LINES for all aquatic events for the 10th Special Olympics World Summer Games. This event, held every four years, for athletes with mental retardation will be the largest multi-sport event in the world in 1999. Nearly 7,000 athletes traveling from 150 countries and territories will travel to Raleigh, North Carolina to compete in 19 sporting events from June 26-July 4, 1999.

Richey Smith, President, and Neal Thomas, Vice President of the COMPETITOR Division said, "We feel honored to share our good fortune in helping Special Olympic athletes show the world their very best. The Games are about skill, hope, and celebration. We are proud to be a part of the Games."

1999 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD SUMMER GAMES FAST FACTS
The Missions: The goal of the World Games is to celebrate the efforts and accomplishments of Special Olympics athletes through a world-class international sporting event that enriches the lives of everyone involved.
The 10th Special Olympics World Summer Games for athletes with mental retardation will be the largest multi-sport event in the world in 1999 and the biggest international sporting event in North Carolina history. It runs from June 26 - July 4, 1999.

The event will be taking place in 4 locations (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary) across North Carolina and is expected to draw more than 400,000 spectators to watch over 7,000 athletes from 150 countries compete. The athletes are supported by 2,000 coaches, 15,000 family members and apporx. 35,000 - 40,000 volunteers.

With a budget of $35.5 million that is funded by corporations, foundations, service organizations, individual contributions and grants, the Special Olympics World Summer Games is expected to have a significant economic impact on North Carolina. The overall community economic impact is estimated to be $60-$65 million, with the visitor impact estimated at $15.3 million.

The sports the athletes will be competing in include:
Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Cycling, Equestrian, Football (Soccer), Golf, Gymnastics, Powerlifting, Roller Skating, Sailing, Softball, Table Tennis, Team Handball, Tennis, Volleyball

Good Luck to all the competitors taking part in the Games.